Golden Tate staying focused despite looming free agency

NEWARK, N.J. – Once the Super Bowl concludes Sunday, the 14 Seahawks who are unrestricted free agents will be thrust into uncertainty about their future.

Understandably, it’s not something they want to dwell on now.

But one of the bigger names on that list, receiver Golden Tate, said at Tuesday’s Super Bowl Media Day that he hopes it will work out for him to remain with the Seahawks.

“I would really like to stay,’’ he said. “It’s a great city, a great group of guys. From top to bottom, I can’t say enough great things about Seattle. The coaching staff is one of a kind. The nutritionist, the trainers, the city, the food, the stadium, everything is just great. I really would like to stay here. But we’ll see. Only time will tell.”

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Tate is completing his fourth season with Seattle, one that was also his best. He had a team-high 64 catches for 898 yards and showed he can be a consistently productive punt returner, with 51 attempts for 585 yards, an 11.5 yard average that ranked ninth in the NFL.

The period to sign free agents begins March 11. But Tate said that seems far off.

“Right now really my future doesn’t matter,” Tate said. “Winning a Super Bowl is the only thing that matters to me because this is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of deal. Obviously I plan to come back. … (but) I mean there’s been guys that played 20 years that haven’t even gone to the playoffs. I feel like it would be selfish for me to be thinking about my future and that would be taking away from this team.”

Harvin says he’s ready

Receiver Percy Harvin took question after question about his health and answered every one by reiterating he expects to play without limitations against the Broncos.

“I feel great,’’ said Harvin, who has played just two games this season, first while dealing with a hip injury, and then suffering a concussion in the NFC divisional playoff game against the Saints. The concussion prevented him from playing in the NFC title match against the San Francisco 49ers.

“I’m feeling fine,” he added. “I feel normal. I have been practicing well.’’

Harvin hinted that the week off before the 49ers game and the bye week after that have helped him regain additional strength in his legs.

“I think I can be as explosive as I’ve ever been,’’ he said. “My legs are feeling great. I am finally able to get drive in my legs that I need to come out of my breaks a little quicker than I was before the (concussion). So I definitely think I can be a factor in this game.’’

Does he have any worries about getting reinjured?

“I’ve played football a long time so I’m not worried about that at all,” Harvin said.

He can’t wait to see what the Seattle offense will look like once he gets back on the field.

“I think we are definitely going to be explosive,’’ he said, “and we are definitely looking to make a lot of big plays in this game.’’

McDaniel: Manning has happy feet

There wasn’t a lot of bulletin board material tossed around Tuesday. But Seattle defensive tackle Tony McDaniel might have thrown a little in the direction of Denver quarterback Peyton Manning when he was asked what he has learned from watching Manning on film.

“He has happy feet,’’ McDaniel said. “When he is making a read, if he doesn’t see those guys open, he will get anxious and throw the ball.”

Note

• The Seahawks announced that a limited edition of “Seattle mix” Skittles of blue and green will be auctioned to three fans through Jan. 29. For information, go to: www.SkittlesSeattleMix.com.